how to write a *detailed* example in ielts writing task 2

Summary

This video script offers a valuable tip for transforming abstract examples into detailed ones in writing. It emphasizes the importance of identifying abstract keywords in the text and making them specific through real-life examples. The speaker illustrates this with examples from IELTS essay questions, demonstrating how asking 'what' and 'how' questions can enrich the content with concrete details. The script also introduces the 'example-led paragraph' technique for a more focused and unified paragraph, crucial for achieving higher scores in writing assessments.

Takeaways

• 📝 The video aims to help those struggling with writing concrete, detailed examples by transforming abstract ideas into specific ones.
• 🔑 The key tip is to identify abstract keywords in the sentences already written and then make them more specific with real-life examples.
• 🎯 An example from 'IELTS 14 General Training' is used to illustrate the process of detailing the experience offered by offline stores compared to online shopping.
• 🗣️ Social experiences in offline stores are highlighted as a reason why they won't be replaced by online shopping, using coffee shops like Starbucks as a detailed example.
• ❓ The method of asking 'what' and 'how' questions is suggested to derive the necessary details for an example.
• 🛍️ A comparison is made between the social interaction at Starbucks and the impersonal nature of ordering coffee beans on Amazon to emphasize the point.
• 💡 The importance of having a single main topic in each paragraph for a higher score on writing tests is emphasized.
• 🚑 Another example from 'IELTS 17' discusses the drawbacks of relying on alternative medicines in emergency situations, using the abstract concept of 'tumor' for detail.
• 🛠️ The script suggests that rehabilitation programs teaching valuable skills to prisoners can help prevent re-offending, with coding as a specific example.
• 👨‍🍳 It's highlighted that the specific skill taught in rehabilitation doesn't have to be coding; any skill can be used as long as it's detailed.
• 🚀 The video introduces the 'example-led paragraph' technique, where an example is used directly to support a topic sentence without an explanation, as demonstrated with the topic of risk-taking.

Q & A

What is the main purpose of the video?

The main purpose of the video is to teach viewers how to transform abstract examples into detailed and concrete ones when writing.

What is the simple tip shared in the video for writing detailed examples?

The simple tip is to identify abstract keywords in the sentences you've already written and then make those keywords more specific using real-life examples.

What does the video suggest as a method to make abstract ideas more specific in writing?

The video suggests asking 'what' questions to make abstract ideas more specific and to come up with concrete details.

Can you provide an example of how to use the tip from the video to write about offline stores offering social experiences?

The video uses Starbucks as an example, explaining that people meet friends, talk about their lives, and enjoy their drinks there, which are experiences not available online.

How does the video suggest comparing offline stores to online stores in an example?

The video suggests using details like buying coffee beans on Amazon and the impersonal nature of the transaction to contrast with the social interaction at Starbucks.

What is the importance of having only one main topic in every paragraph according to the video?

Having only one main topic in every paragraph is important for achieving a high score on the writing test, as it ensures unity and focus in the writing.

What is an 'example-led paragraph' as mentioned in the video?

An 'example-led paragraph' is a technique where an example is used directly to support the topic sentence without an initial explanation, as taught by IELTS Simon.

How does the video suggest dealing with a lack of knowledge about specific programs or initiatives when writing examples?

The video suggests that it's not necessary to know specific programs like the Chen Zuckerberg Initiative; instead, one can use their own knowledge and life experience to make the abstract parts of their writing more specific.

What is the video's stance on the use of explanations before providing an example in a paragraph?

The video suggests that explanations before providing an example are not 100% necessary, and one can directly use an example to support the topic sentence.

How does the video address the concern of some people who find it hard to think of examples?

The video reassures viewers that as long as they have life experiences, they can come up with examples by using 'what' or 'how' questions to identify details.

What is the final advice given in the video regarding writing detailed examples?

The final advice is to remember that the goal of writing an example is to back up what has been previously written with details, and to use 'what' or 'how' questions to help come up with those details.